riverhawk

I'm a small girl (5"1') looking to start waterfowling. I have a muscular upper body, so gun weight is not an issue, but recoil is my biggest concern. Will a 28ga kill a goose or do I need the 20ga with the stronger bite? Might I even need a 16ga? And can anyone recommend a good-quality, but affordable shotgun under $500 (in the gauge you chose) that I can use, considering that I'm a complete beginner?

Also, is a retriever really necessary? Do dead birds float long enough for me to go out in a kayak to get them, or should I just dish out for a dog?

Finally, do I really need decoys? If so, what is the minimum number I have to get (and of what types: motorized, still, etc.) to be effective? I'm on a low budget here.

Thanks,
Riverhawk